Neck buffs, valve masks 'defeat the purpose', govt warns in updated guidelines
Fabric face masks with breathing valves and neck buffs don't make the cut in the latest government guidelines for fabric masks.
The updated recommendations have been released by the Trade, Industry and Competition Department.
Authorities have been urging the members of the public to continue observing the health guidelines to avoid a second wave of COVID-19 infections.
The Department is recommending that we don't use neck buffs and fabric masks with valves or vents.
It says research has revealed buffs offer the wearer and other people little to no protection from respiratory droplets - because they're made from thin, stretchy material.
Fabric masks with valves are also getting the thumbs down.
The department says the breathing valves defeat the purpose as they allow air to pass through the opening.
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It warns this can potentially enable the spread of the coronavirus through expelled droplets.
Trade and Industry is recommending that these two types of masks not be sold in the country.
It says tests have shown at least two layers of fabric provides a sufficient barrier while also making it comfortable to breathe.
But authorities recommend using three layers and selecting a non-woven fabric, with strong filtering capability as the middle layer.
The Trade and Industry Department says the guidelines were based on research by the World Health Organisation, the University of Stellenbosch and the University of Witwatersrand. It also consulted the Southern African Clothing Textile and Workers Union.
In the last day, 1 662 new COVID-19 cases were reported in South Africa.
To date, a total of 703 793 confirmed COVID-19 infections have been recorded nationally, including 18 471 deaths.
